MY MAGAZINE
READ ALL ARTICLES HERE
ACCOMMODATIONtrips & activitiesdiningDIRECTORYevents

Herb of the month: Nana

My Magazine 2022/08
1 min
Nana is a word from the Arabic language, which also in The Gambia means mint. Nana or mint is a milder version of peppermint and beloved addition to attaya. You can find it in the market throughout the year in small bundles costing 5 or 10 dalasis.

Even outside main markets, you will regularly see ladies or kids walking around with a large silver tray on their heads, selling bundles of nana sprinkled with water to keep them fresh.

Mint is one of the world-famous ingredients for tea since it helps to make your respiratory paths open because of its decongestant properties. But in The Gambia, not many drink mint tea; they use mint as an addition to attaya or sometimes even in the morning cup of black tea. Some ladies use it as an ingredient for street-sold pancakes.

Chewing mint leaves can improve teeth and gum health and keep your breath fresh. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Nevertheless, in The Gambia, many instead go for mint candies, which can be bought for 1 dalasi in the local shop and are used to freshen up breath, especially after a spicy meal.

You can find many products with menthol in The Gambia, but mint itself has more or less a single purpose. We suggest trying mint-infused water with some slices of cucumbers to have a refreshing drink or sprinkle its chopped leaves on your salad for a minty twist.

Mint is known to relieve stomach pain or digestion problems apart from being a common cold relief medicine. According to some, it can even be used as an insect repellent.

Did you enjoy this article? Share it with friends >>>

Trip of the month: Bakau
Beach of the month: Sanyang Beach
Subscribe To Our Magazine
No spam, notifications only about new issues.
Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing
Subscribe To Our Magazine
No spam, notifications only about new issues.
Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing

Other articles

Bojang River Lodge: Relax and Unwind
Located on Cape Point Beach, one of The Gambia's most tranquil and unspoiled beaches....
Behind the lens: The River Gambia
What once used to be the glorious path for daily merchandise today strikes as magnificent beauty trailing the shape of The Gambia, carrying random vis...
Why choose The Gambia over other African countries?
What do you consider when choosing your next travel destination, and how do you make your final decision, especially when it comes to exploring new pa...
Kololi Resort - Stone's Boutique Studios & Apartments
Kololi Beach Resort opened its doors to the first visitors 30 years ago when the founder spotted a perfect location right at the ocean and close to a ...
JOBS
© MyGambia 2025
Developed by MarkLab

My Gambia Team

Typically replies within 30 minutes

We will be back soon.

Hey there 👋
We are here to help. What can I do for you?
Start Chat with us
chat